Consumer type container



| c. BROOKS 2,577,305

CONSUMER TYPE CONTAINER Dec. 4, 1951 Filed March 23. 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 23 I 9 Mil) ZWW/ W ggg C my L. C. BROOKS CONSUMER TYPE CONTAINER Dec. 4, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 23. 1949 lay A s 51 Br'auks Dec. 4, 1951 L. c. BROOKS 2,577,305

CONSUMER TYPE CONTAINER Filed March 25. 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1951 c. BROOKS CONSUMER TYPE CONTAINER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 25. 1949 a. .wwfiw Is -1421s 'raaks paper board and the like.

Patented Dec. 4, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT I OFFICE CONSUMER TYPE CONTAINER Lewis 0. Brooks, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor of one-third to Ira Milton Jones, Milwaukee, Wis.

Application March 23, 1949, Serial No. 83,046

12 Claims.

This invention relates to fiat-sided containers made from sheet material and refers particularly to consumer type containers made from In general it is the purpose of this invention to improve the construction of such containers so as to permit the use of lighter stock without sacrificing strength and reliability, and more especially to improve the manner of attaching the fiat end closures or top and bottom to the container body.

Many attempts have been made in the past to obtain a satisfactory manner of attaching or securing the end closures to the container body, and while past expedients as, for instance, those illustrated in Patent No. 2,398,404 issued to L. C. Brooks, April 16, 1946, have proven fairly satisfactory for most purposes, they were not free from the highly objectionable likelihood of having pin point openings develop at the corners. This deterred the adoption of paper containers for many products.

Though in some respects the structure of the instant invention has close similarity to that of the-aforesaid patent, tests have conclusively demonstrated that where the patented structures were prone to develop pin point openings at the corners, that of the instant invention completely and fully guards against this objectionable possibility.

It is, therefore, the chief object of this invention to improve the attachment of the end closures to the body of the container to the extent of actually banishing pin point openings at the corners.

Another object of this invention is to provide a more easily handled and stronger paper board container.

Another object of this invention is to provide for the attachment of the end closures from the exterior of the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a paper board container having an extended edge at both ends thereof produced in a simple, inexpensive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container of the character described having a relatively wide flat ledge flush with the top of the container body to have substantial face-toi'ace engagement with the cover of the container and thus facilitate its secure attachment to the 2 described and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the hereindisclosed invention may be made as come within the scope of the claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate several complete examples of the physical embodiment of the invention constructed in accordance with the best modes so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a paper milk container constructed in accordance with this invention with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the container of Figure 1, illustrating the manner in which the pouring opening is obtained;

Figure 3 is a plan view of one of two blanks from which the container of Figure 1 is made;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the other blank, and which provides the fourth side, top and bottom of the container;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the back corners of the container, but showing some of the elements thereof separated;

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the corner construction of a slightly modified form of the invention;

Figure '7 is a plan view of that part of the blank from which the corner shown in Figure 6 is formed; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a frozen food type contained constructed in accordance with this invention.

Referring now particularly to the accompanying drawings and especially to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, which illustrate a container of the type forming the subject matter of the copending application of L. C. Brooks, Serial No. 57,356, filed October 29, 1948, the numeral 5 designates the body of a paper container designed to hold milk.

' Three of its four fiat uprights sides, namely 6, I,

and 8, result from the blank shown in Figure 3. Its fourth side 9 and the top H] and bottom H,

I which are also often termed end closures, are

the blank of Figure 4. Score lines It define the glue laps l2 and the sides t, 1 and I from each other and other score lines ll, II and It extendin: across the top and'bottom edges of the blank and transverse to the score lines l3 divide its top and bottom edges into three strips H, II and is. These three strips are bent and folded in a manner to provide inwardly directed end closures supporting ledges which extend continuously along the top and bottom edges of the side walls 6, I and I and-to the extent of the width of the glue laps l2-along the top and bottom of the side wall 9.

While the specific cross sectional shape of the ledges 20 may be varied as will appear hereinafter, one of the essential characteristics of this invention resides in the fact that the innermost strip I! in each instance extends unbrokenly from one end thereof to the other.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, this strip l1 extends unbrokenly across the three side walls 5, I and II and the two glue laps II. The corner defining score lines l3 extend across the strip H and in eflect divide the same into sections, one for each i of the side walls 6, I and 8 and each glue lap l2. These strip sections are hingedly connected to one another at the extensions of the score lines 13.

The strip ll also has diagonal score lines 2| extending across it from the points of intersection between the corner defining score lines l3 and the bend line of the strip I! defined by the score line ll. At the rear corner defining score lines, i.e. those adjacent to the glue laps, the diagonal score lines 2| extend only outwardly and with the extensions of the adjacent corner defining score lines i3 define triangular end portions 22 having an included angle half that formed by the adjacent side walls when the body is set up. At the inner score lines l3 which define the front corners of the container, there are two diagonal score lines 2|, one leading each way from the point of intersection between the corner defining score line and the bend line I. These latter score lines 2| likewise coast with the extensions of the corner defining score lines to define two back-to-back triangular end portions 22' which together include an angle equal to the angle between the adjacent side walls of the finished container.

When the strip I! is bent inwardly along its bend line H and the body is set up, the triangular end portions 22 pleat-lap as at 23 with the adjacent part of the strip l1 and the triangular end portions 22' pleat-lap with each other as at 23'. In eflect, therefore, there are full pleat-laps 23' at the front corners and half pleat-laps at the rear corners. At all corners, however, the innermost lamination of the multiple ply ledge or shoulder 20 is continuous and unbroken.

It is to be understood that where reference is made herein to the ledge forming strip being continuous and unbroken" the absence of cuts through the strip is meant as distinguished from the break that might be said to be caused in the continuity of the ledge by the pleat-lapped formations 23 and 23'.

At the front corner the second strip I8 is also pleat-lapped and its pleats nest within the pleats of the first strip H. To this end the second strip nally scored down their middle to further facili- 4 symmetrical about the extensions of the corner defining score lines 13, and these diamonds form the two ply pleat laps 23'.

Where it is desired to have an extension edge at the top and bottom of the container as in Flgure 1. the second strip II is wider than the first strip 11 so that when folded outwardly it extends beyond the planes of the-side walls I, I and 0. This second strip provides the fiat top against which the end closures are adhered and since part of each second stri l8 projects beyond the planes of the side walls 6, 1 and 8, its outermost portion is severed by cuts 28 which extend from the outer corners of the back-to-back triangles 25 and terminate in V-shaped notches 21.

At the time of manufacture the second strip II is folded outwardly and adhered to the outer face of the first strip H but not to any portion of the side walls proper; and the third strips I! are left fiat and coextensive with the thus adhered second strips so that the entire container may be shipped in fiat knock-down form as in the copending application, Serial No. 57,356, above referred to.

To set up the container for use the body is opened up and the first strips I'I folded in on their bend lines H to dispose the same perpendicularly to the side walls to which they are attached. This disposition of the strips ll, of course, carries with it the second strips l8 which are adhered thereto and pleat-lapped at the corners as previously described.

The bottom H is then folded against and adhered to the adjacent ledge 20 and the bottom third strips l9 folded in over the marginal edges of the bottom II. This operation is easily performed over an internal support. Thus set up the container is thoroughly coated with a suitable water-proof compound such as micro crystalline wax, filled and then the top end closure is secured in place. By virtue of the wide fiat surf-ace presented by the top ledge 20 the securement of the top end closure I0 is readily accomplished. Moreover, the extension ledge allows the inturned third strip l9 to be securely adhered in place gripping the marginal edges of the top end closure in a tight seal.

Where the container is to be used for milk and similar products it is, of course, coated with wax after being set up and preferably has facility for providing a pouring opening in its top. To provide such an opening a diagonal score line 28 extends across one corner of the top I0. The triangular corner flap 28 thus defined is held down on the ledge 20 by overlying grip portions 30. These grip portions are firmly bonded down by a suitable adhesive which may be the synthetic inert non-toxic highly adhesive wax available on the market under the name "Flexolight C" made by the Glyco Products Company. This special wax is applied only to the undersides or the inner halves of the grip portions 30, as seen in Figure 2, so that the outer marginal edge portions thereof will not be bonded down. As a result these grip portions can be easily grasped to facilitate peeling them back to free thefiap 29 for opening.

The grip portions 30 are defined from the rest of the adjacent strips I! by diagonal cuts 3! at an angle opposite to that of the score line 2! and to guard against possible leakage at the ends of the score line 28 the diagonally cut ends of the grip portions are extended a substantial distance therebeyond, as shown best in Figure 2.

If desired the grip portions may be longitudiadv-{soc during bonding of the grip portions some of the synthetic wax will flow under the flap 28 to thus assure a tight seal. 1

Where an extension edge is not necessary and the ends of the container may be flush with the upright side walls the construction shown in Figure 6 is more advantageously employed. This construction is the same as that described except that the second strip [8' is no wider than the first strip and hence none of the three strips needs to be cut or severed at the corners, the outermost or third strip 19' being diagonally scored as at 82 (Figure 'l) to provide for pleat-lapping the same at the corners. This construction effects an exceptionally secure Junction with the end closure and affords the most positive assurance against the development of pin point openingsat the corners.

Figure 8 illustrates the application of the invention to a type of container especially adapted for use with such products as frozen food. As there shown a wide flat ledge is produced to provide an adequate surface against which the closure may be bonded. The ledge or shoudler construction here employed is similar to that described in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, but the third strip 33 instead of lapping inwardly over the end closure is folded outwardly around the outer marginal portion of the second strip and secured flatwise to the underside of said second strip; while a fourth strip 34 joined to the strip 33 is folded flat against the exterior surface of the outer side wall and bonded thereto.

With this construction the side wall provides a medial support for the shoulder or ledge and thus renders the same better able to sustain pressure during the sealing of the end closure to the body, and the extension edge provides for ideal securement of the end closures and particularly the hinged cover 35 after the container is filled since it allows marginal edges 36 on the closures to be folded around and clamped tightly against the undersides of the ledges entirely from the exterior of the container.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention provides the utmost security against the development of objectionable pin point openings at the corners of a consumer type paper container, and that by suitable treatment of the paperboard from which it is made the container embodying this invention can be readiiy adapted for any product.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a consumer type container: a body having flat upright side walls; means providing for the attachment of an end closure to the top of the body in a manner precluding pin point openings at the corners, comprising inwardly directed fiat topped ledges on the upper ends of the side walls, said ledges being substantially perpendicular to the side walls and having comer portions each of which is formed by a continuous unbroken fiat edge portion on and common to the adjacent side wall portions, bent in therefrom and extending without break around the comer at which point said edge portion is pleat-lapped, the undersides of the ledges formed by said continuous unbroken flat edge portion being exposed to the contents of the container.

2. The consumer type container of claim 1 further characterized by the provision of a reinforcing strip overlying said fiat edge portion and bent back from the inner marginal edge thereof, said reinforcing strip also being pleat-lapped at each corner of the container with the pleat thereof nesting within the pleat of said bent-in fiat edge portion, and said double thickness pleat lying entirely below the plane of the ledge.

3. In a consumer type container: a body having a comer defined by two flat side walls; an and closure supporting ledge on said side walls, said ledge being flush with one end of the body and comprising, an unbroken marginal strip along one edge of the blank from which said side walls aremade with the corner-defining score line of the blank extending across the strip to divide the same into two sections, one for each side wall, said strip sections being bent in from their side walls -to extend substantially perpendicularly therefrom to form an end closure ledge and being hingedly connected with each other at said corner-defining score line extension, and one of said strip sections having a triangular end portion, the sides of which are defined by said corner-defining score line extension and a diagonal score line extending outwardly from the intersection of said corner-defining score line and the bend line of the strip, the angle defined by said sides of the triangular end portion being half the angle formed by said side walls, and said triangular end portion being pleat-lapped with the adjacent portion of the other strip sec- I tion so that the underside of the ledge formed by said strip section is directly exposed to the contents of the container.

4. In a consumer type container: a flat sided body; an end closure supporting ledge at one end of the body, said ledge being fiat and flush with said end of the body and comprising, a strip integral with the side walls of the body from which said ledge extends and defined therefrom by a score -line extending across the blank from which said body side walls are formed and transverse to the comer-defining score lines, said strip being bent in to extend substantially perpendicularly in from the side walls and being unbroken at the corners of the body so that the underside of the ledge formed by the unbroken strip is directly opposed to the interior of the container, the corner portions of the strip having outwardly diverging scores extending from the point of intersection between the comer-defining score lines and the bend line of the strip, and the portions of the strip lying between said outwardly diverging scores being pleat-lapped with the pleat under the ledge, so that the top of the ledge formed by the strip is substantially fiat throughout its entire length while the strip re mains unbroken at the corners of the body.

5. The consumer type container set forth in claim 4 further characterized by the provision of a second strip folded outwardly from the inner marginal edge of the first strip and overlying the same in face-to-face engagement therewith to give the ledge double thickness.

6. The consumer type container of claim 5 further characterized by the fact that said second strip, like the first, is unbroken at the corners and has its corner portions superimposed upon and pleat-lapped with the corner portions of the first strip so that the outer face of the double thickness ledge is uniplanar alon the entire length of the ledge and around the comers of the container to provide a flat surface to which .an end closure may be bonded.

ther characterized by the provision of: an end closure in iace-to-i'ace engagement with said flat outermost face of the second strip; and a third marginal strip folded in from the outer edge of the second strip and overlying the adjacent marginal edge portion of the end closure. said third strip likewise being unbrokenat the corners and having its corner po tions pleatlapped and folded down upon the end closure.

8. The consumer type container of claim 6 further characterized by the provision of an end closure having marginal edge portions supported on and adhered to the flat outer face of the second strip; and inturned marginal edge per.- tions on the end'closure adhered to the adjacent portions of the side, walls.

9. The consumer type container of claim 6 further characterized bythe fact that the second strip extends outwardly beyond the planes of the side walls; an end closure having marginal edge portions in face-to-face engagement with said second strip and extending beyond the planes of the side walls of the body; and a third strip bent inwardly from the outer edge 01' the second strip and overlying the outer faceof the end closure whereby said marginal edge portions of the end closure are gripped between the second and third strips and said gripping may be effected from the exterior of the container. I

10. The consumer type container of claim 9 further characterized by the fact that the end closure is scored diagonally'across one corner to define a ilap adapted to be lifted to provide a pouring opening; and iurther'by the fact that the third strip is cut across on a diagonal ad- 8 jacent to each end of said diagonal score line with the angle of the cuts opposite that or the diagonal score line, the portions of said third strip lying between the corner and said diagonal cuts being bonded to the top of the end closure.

11."I'he consumer type container of claim 6 further characterized by the fact that the second strip extends outwardly beyond the planes at the side walls; and a third strip bent in and down from the outer edge of the second strip toward the adjacent side wall; and a fourth strip bent down from said third strip and adhered to the outer face of the side wall.

12. The consumer type container oi claim 10 further characterized by the provision of: an end closure having marginal edge portions overlying and adhering to the outer face of the ledge; and said marginal edge portions of the end closure having their outermost portions turned in and adhered to the underside of the overhanging portion of the ledge.

LEWIS C. BROOKS,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name a Date 347,646 Schmidt Aug. 17,1886 888,160 Grochau May 19 1908 1,065,398 Scudder June 24, 1913 2,321,536 Wells June 8, 1943 2,398,404 Brooks Apr. 16, 1946 2,471,017 Wilcox May 24, 1949 

